On The Fly: American Pharoah Keeps Triple Crown In Play

American Pharoah became America's best buddy Saturday by winning the Preakness Stakes two weeks after winning the Kentucky Derby. Now, Belmont will mean something. It will mean everything, actually. American Pharoah will try for the Triple Crown on June 6 in Elmont, N.Y. That's really what the Preakness is, isn't it? The hope for the Derby winner to pull away from the field again, as American Pharoah did Saturday in the Baltimore mud. There hasn't been a Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.

Recruiting has become nearly as much about luring established college players as luring the best high school players. Consider UConn a winner on the recruiting trail with its commitment from Seton Hall guard Sterling Gibbs, who tweeted, "3rd times a charm.. UCONN! #BeyondBlessed". Gibbs played at Texas before graduating at Seton Hall. ... Rory McIlroy shot a course-record 61 at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, N.C., for a four-shot lead heading into the final round at the Wells Fargo Championship, a reminder that he's still the best player in the world. Rory is the best, most consistent golfer on the planet right now. ... The news cycle suggests that Alabama coach Nick Saban is frustrated with exactly what he predicted, that the College Football Playoff would put too much emphasis on four teams? First of all, that's better than two. Second, Alabama was one of the four teams in the postseason, getting smoked by eventual national champion Ohio State in a semifinal. Saban apparently wants bowl games or a national championship format, not both.

The Rangers defeated the Lightning 2-1 in the opening game of the Eastern Conference finals. The NHL playoff run is barely half over. If you don't like what you see, we can't help you. It has been tremendous hockey. The Rangers have played 15 consecutive one-goal playoff games. Chicago and Anaheim are on the other side of the Stanley Cup bracket. ... Wow, the slumping Mets, who entered the weekend with a five-game losing streak, broke through in a blowout victory over the Brewers, who had previously dominated at Citi Field. Nearly as important as breaking the losing streak, and more important than scoring 10 runs in one inning, was that Jacob deGrom got back on track with six solid innings. ... New York's teams, both in first place, entered the day having lost a combined nine in a row. The Yankees gave the ball to CC Sabathia in Kansas City and won, 5-1. ... Will the Cavs have Kevin Love in the Eastern Conference finals? No. Will they have Kyrie Irving? Maybe. Will they have LeBron James? Yes. OK, we'll take the Cavs.